An incredible saga of 20th century Russian history, politics, and secrets told from the perspective of a Count under house arrest in a central Moscow hotel—a sort of epicentre of political action and intrigue, movie-star appearances and interactions, many unlawful yet overlooked happenings, and the odd backdrop for child-rearing, as performed by the philosophical trifecta of a bold chef, a newly appointed former person maître d’hotel, and the vibrant head waiter. Full of action, political commentary, philosophical meanderings, literary commentary, a bit of spy work, some frivolous nonsense, delectable foods, and a lot of fun.

And I thought this was going to be a bore… far from it, this novel is one of my favourites of the year.